A new initiative is in the works to add a hands-on greenhouse to Addison Community Schools’ science curriculum.

Science instructor Aaron Wesche presented a plan to build the structure this summer and expand the district’s K-12 science program to the board of education at its meeting Monday.

The greenhouse project has been in the works for 11⁄2 years, Wesche said. A structure 18-by-36 feet in size will likely be built in the high school courtyard next to the science rooms.

With the assistance of the Addison Schools Foundation, Wesche said, he has been able to raise $13,000 of the $25,000 needed to build the greenhouse.

“The school has offered to front the (remaining) money until we are able to fundraise the rest,” Wesche said Tuesday. “We have received some donations that have helped out tremendously.”

Additional fundraisers are being planned, from an as yet-to-be-planned 5K run, to a “cow plop bingo” event on May 3.

“We are looking at having someone construct it for us,” Wesche said. “The foundation is looking to have some of the material and labor donated.”

Wesche said the initial goal is to grow plants through the process of hydroponics — using water instead of soil — and eventually expanding to raise fish as part of a larger sustainability study.

Wesche said donations can be mailed to the Addison Schools Foundation at P.O. Box 392, Addison MI 49220. Questions about the greenhouse project itself can be directed to Wesche at 547-6958 or weschea@addisonschools.org.

The greenhouse is one of two educational initiatives set to launch in time for the 2014-15 academic year. The school will also start an FM radio station for students to learn about communications and broadcasting. Superintendent Steve Guerra said Tuesday that materials and equipment are still being collected for the two-room radio studio.

In other business

The Addison Community Schools Board of Education at its meeting Monday also:

— Introduced and recognized its top 10 students from the graduating class of 2014. Jacob Voss is the valedictorian, and Emma Urbain is the salutatorian.

— Announced the annual Parent-Teacher Organization carnival will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 29. A magician is to perform at 5 and 6:30 p.m. More information can be found on the school’s website at addisonschools.org.

— Heard classroom presentations from teachers Kelly Christensen, Kim Comstock and Kathee Santiago. Each instructor received a mini-grant from the Addison Schools Foundation.